Saturday, September 24, 2011

Upper Space Artists Hijack Bus Shelters to Address UK Homelessness

"In 2011 the British government brought in devastating cuts to public spending in response to the financial deficit caused by a deeply flawed and unsustainable financial system. As is always the case, the marginalised and poorest citizens of the nation now feel the full force of these changes. Upper Space worked alongside young homeless people in the city of Manchester – the UK’s fourth most deprived city, in the creation of street art interventions that critically engaged with the governments changes to the housing benefit system and Localism Bill whilst creatively giving the finger to those responsible.

The project saw Upper Space artists working alongside young homeless people in the city on a series of urban interventions and installations across the city. The bus shelter interventions turned ordinary public spaces into temporary homes as Upper Space highlights the effects of the financial crisis on citizens with particular focus on the banks that have caused the crisis. These same banks are now repossessing up to 900 family homes each week as people struggle to repay mortgages that were irresponsibly sold."